Chao Thao

Chao Thao was born on September 18, 1962, in Phouviang, Laos, to her parents, Yan Her and Chue Yang. She was the oldest of ten children: Chao, Poua, Pa Tang, Ka, Chon, Vang, Mong, Ching, Pao, and Jon. From a young age, Chao showed a caring and gentle spirit. Even as a tiny little girl, she would carry her younger sister on her back just to watch airplanes fly overhead, dreaming of one day being on one herself.

That childhood dream became a reality when Chao and her family immigrated to the United States in August of 1979, landing in Memphis, Tennessee. They lived there for two years before settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1983. It was in Milwaukee that she met the love of her life, Va Thao.

Chao and Va Thao were married on September 30, 1984, and together they built a beautiful life and raised six children: Julie Thao (Bee Yang), Johnny Thao (Patty Xiong), Chia Kee Thao (Kimberly Lor), Jon Thao (Jacob Galloway), Zang Thao (Jessica Her), and Sammi Thao. In 2003, the family made their final move to Hensley, Arkansas, where Chao continued to pour her love, creativity, and care into her home and family.

Chao was a colorful and creative soul. She loved crafting and creating beautiful things with her hands. She had a natural gift for turning simple materials into something meaningful and full of love. Her faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted Christian, Chao loved praising God through Christian songs and faithfully sharing God's Word with her children and grandchildren, often teaching, encouraging, and praying over them.

Chao was a loving and devoted grandmother to her fifteen grandchildren: Malachi Yang, Solomon Yang, Amarissa Yang, Amira Thao, Caleb Thao, Alexander Thao, Logan Thao, Henry Thao, Simon Thao, Aiden Thao, Gabriel Thao, Zoey Thao, Wyatt Xiong, Maximus Xiong, and Freya Xiong. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will continue to live through each of them.

Chao Thao is lovingly survived by her husband, Va Thao; her six children; and her fifteen grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. She is also survived by her mother, Yan Her; her four sisters; and her two brothers. She was preceded in death by her father, Chue Yang; one brother, Ching; and two sisters, Poua and Pa Tang.

Chao Thao passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, at the age of 63. Her passing on Christmas Eve holds special meaning, as Christmas was her favorite holiday-a season she cherished for its celebration of faith, family, and love. Her children will forever remember how eagerly she put up her Christmas tree each year and proudly shared its beauty with her children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas, on January 24 and 25, 2026. Burial will take place on January 26, 2026, at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Sheridan, Arkansas. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.